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Merry Meet, Owlie
OK, first off... I can't address the "Wiccan way" from personal experience,
as I'm not a member of this particular group. However, you've also expanded
yourself to "various Pagan, and non-pagan religions" in your discussion
of initiation vs dedication (not to mention addressing this as regarding
the Craft in a seemingly proprietary sense) - and this I have some disagreement
with - not flames, just disagreement.
Just to set myself on firm ground - and in clear sight - for those who
don't know me well enough to know my chosen Path, I'm an INITIATED Witch.
Most would use the term self-initiated, I do not. I was initiated by my
Uncle (nonhuman) and by my Lady and Lord. That said...
Within the realm of Wicca, one certainly has the privilege of choosing
which definitions of a term are applied to the use of that term; however,
within the broader realm of the Craft, leeway must be allowed for others
who may use the term differently. Just as I would never tell the Wiccan
initiate that their interpretation of the differences between initiation
and dedication WITHIN WICCA is wrong, I would expect them not to impose
their Wiccan interpretations upon my Craft (a label which many seem to
forget was neither originated by nor is the sole property of Wiccans).
There are many further definitions of the term initiate, which have extremely
different connotations regardless of religious path. For example:
Initiate, adjective: Unpracticed; untried; new. [Webster's Revised Unabridged
Dictionary] This very valid definition (obviously, I think) is NOT what
the Wiccan initiate professes to be.
Also
Initiate, transitive verb: To acquaint with the beginnings; to instruct
in the rudiments or principles; to introduce. [webster's RUD] While initiate,
within Wicca, seems to have a flavor of this, it is certainly not the
root meaning of the term if initiation implies as most Wiccans claim first,
second or third degree initiation as meaning a level of expertise, not
of newness.
So, what definitions make initiation an appropriate moniker for the NON
Wiccan, but very PAGAN Witch who is also extensively studied, knowledgeable,
practiced and brought through mysteries to a higher level of understanding
WITHOUT being inducted into any human community as such? How about"
Initiate, noun: One who has been introduced to the mysteries of some field
or activity. [Princeton Dictionary}
Initiate, noun: One who has been introduced to or has attained knowledge
in a particular field. [American Heritage Dictionary] and
Initiate, intransitive verb: To do the first act; to perform the first
rite; to take the initiative. [Webster's Revised Unabridged Dictionary]
Initiate, adjective: Instructed in esoteric knowledge. [American Heritage
Dictionary]
As a practicing Witch of many years, I have most certainly been "introduced
to the mysteries." And I have also been "introduced to and attained knowledge"
(though some have and certainly will again question my expertise) in the
fields of Witchcraft, magick, healing, divination, walking between the
worlds, and much, much more. Further, upon the eve of my initiation -
guided by my Uncle, my Lady and my Lord - I did the first act, performed
the first rite - of my life as a Witch initiated into Nature's Mysteries
by the forementioned triad. Perhaps, most importantly IMO, is the issue
of instruction in esoteric knowledge. I believe that even few Wiccans
would maintain that only other Wiccans, or humans for that matter, have
been their only instructors in knowledge of the esoteric. As a non-Wiccan
Witch, my only teachers (other than books and experimentation) have been
such. That in no way lessens the validity of the instructors nor of the
knowledge I have attained.
In summary, I do not accept being asked to refrain from using the term
initiate because I have not been introduced to the mysteries of a specific
Wiccan or otherwise Pagan tradition by peers who are members of a human
community. I have not only dedicated my life and my self to the Lady and
Lord and to Their Craft but I have gone much further. I am initiated in
The Mysteries. Not in someone else's traditions. Because of this, no one
has EVER heard me claim a level (though - please allow me a bit of egotism
- I've met thirds who knew less of the Mysteries than do I). No one has
EVER heard me claim to be a Priest or High Priest (forgive again, but
I believe that I COULD function in the role at least equally to most I've
been privileged to know or know of through their work). And no one has
EVER heard me state that THEIR initiation was not such, but a simple dedication
no matter how meaningful.
And, when it comes to statements such as "Let’s stop misusing the language,
and confusing those who are coming into the Craft," I sincerely request
that Wiccans follow this ideal. And STOP representing "The Craft" as being
solely Wicca, because it most certainly is not.
Brightest
Blessings & Merry Part
Red
Deer
May all your trails be crooked,
winding, lonesome, dangerous -
leading to the most amazing view...
where something strange, more beautiful and more full of wonder
than your deepest dreams awaits you.
Edward
Abbey
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